In Pictures: Indians Celebrate Gay Pride in Delhi

Thousands turn out to campaign for LGBT rights in the Indian capital

India's LGBT Community Campaigns for Rights

Thousands of Indians turned out to call for LGBT rights in New Delhi, three years after the country's top court reinstated a colonial-era law that bans gay sex. Photo: Karan Deep Singh/The Wall Street Journal

Members of the LGBT community and their supporters marched at the annual Delhi Queer Pride Parade, shouting slogans and holding placards amid growing calls to decriminalize gay sex in the country. Section 377 of the Indian penal code, a colonial-era law that was reinstated by India's top court in 2013 bans "carnal intercourse against the order of nature."

A community member dances to the rhythm of a double-sided dhol drum at Sunday's pride parade in New Delhi, India.
Photo:
Karan Deep Singh/The Wall Street Journal

In February, the country's Supreme Court moved to reconsider the anti-sodomy law, referring the matter to a five-member bench in an unexpected victory for gay rights campaigners.

'I'm here to support equality,' said 21-year-old Merle Ilg, left, who traveled to Delhi to support her friends at the parade on Sunday.
Photo:
Karan Deep Singh/The Wall Street Journal

"What matters is the everyday life of queer people and we've seen an expansion of queer spaces everywhere. Since 2013, you see that the power that the law had earlier has diminished, regardless of the Supreme Court's decision," said Gautam Bhan, a gay rights activist.

However, activists say that since Section 377 was reinstated, gay men have increasingly become targets of robbery and extortion, and transgenders have faced discrimination and harassment.

A man raises a placard against India's right-wing Hindus who say gay people can be cured of their homosexuality.
Photo:
Karan Deep Singh/The Wall Street Journal

"I'm here because I think it is important to show to people who we are, that we're proud," said Zakraya, a 22-year-old German who is studying in geography New Delhi. Zakraya, who declined to give his surname, said that he considered going back into the closet after coming to India to pursue his studies. "Back in Germany, I used to be open. But when I came here, I found that people were quite negative about it--so I even deleted my pictures from Facebook, the ones that might show I'm from the community."

The push-and-pull over the law points to a wider clash between India’s conservative traditions and the mores of a rapidly modernizing, young population.

Some Indian community members were joined by their parents and loved ones at the parade.

Himadri Roy, third right, a professor and author photographed with his mother at the parade in New Delhi on Sunday.
Photo:
Karan Deep Singh/The Wall Street Journal

"To me, I think the law is beginning to mean less and less," said Mr. Bhan, the activist.